West Bengal’s role is critical to vision of a developed India, says PM

Prime Minister Modi inaugurates City Gas Distribution network in Alipurduar, emphasizing Bengal's crucial role in India's progress.

Inaugurating the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in Alipurduar, West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday (May 29, 2025) that “the State is essential to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.”

“Bengal’s participation is both expected and essential in India’s progress to developed status. Bengal’s development is a foundational pillar of India’s future,” Mr. Modi said while inaugurating the ₹1,010 crore project. The project will benefit about 2.5 lakh households in the State, he added.

Mr. Modi pointed out that in 2014 city gas services were available only in 66 districts. Today, the City Gas Distribution network has expanded to over 550 districts across the country. The Prime Minister said that the country has made remarkable advances in the energy sector and is making a rapid transition towards a gas-based economy.

“This is not just a pipeline project. It is also an example of the government’s doorstep delivery of schemes. Through this initiative, we will supply clean and more affordable energy to households via a pipeline,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Modi said the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has accelerated India’s transition towards a gas-based economy. The Prime Minister said that in 2014, the country had fewer than 14 crore LPG connections. The number of connections has now surpassed 31 crore. Mr. Modi also added that before 2014, India had fewer than 14,000 LPG distributors, which has increased to over 25,000 at present. The expansion has made clean cooking fuel accessible to households across the nation, Mr. Modi said.

Observing that West Bengal has been a major center of India’s culture, knowledge, and scientific advancements, Mr. Modi asserted that the vision of a developed India cannot be realised without Bengal’s growth.

The Prime Minister said that over the past decade the Union Government had invested thousands of crores in infrastructure and developmental projects. He emphasised projects such as the Purva Expressway, the Durgapur Expressway, modernisation of the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, expansion of the Kolkata Metro, and transformation of the New Jalpaiguri Station. He hoped West Bengal would continue its journey towards development and regain its old glory.